Friday, August 30, 2013

Introduction:

“Love is a more powerful force than magic. You can trick the mind and even the heart, but never the soul. When a person is not free to love with their soul, that is not love and that is why a love spell can never truly work.” ― Nikki Jefford

I am feeling some Santana tonight folks. Hope everyone is having fun on this blessed Tuesday. I know I am sipping a glass of wine to sooth the winkles from a long an arduous day.

The song I am featuring a is 70’s classic titled “Black Magic Woman”(2). The interesting and fun part is that the video I am attaching is dubbed over for an outstanding belly dancer by the name of Alla Kushnir (Liela). She not only a beautiful woman she can dances a sensual and amazing belly dance. If you get a minute check it out. As always I am attaching the lyrics for fun and remember music is my language and these are my thoughts tonight.

Black Magic Woman (4)Got a black magic womanI got a black magic womanYes, I got a black magic womanGot me so blind I can't seeBut she's a black magic womanAnd she's tryin' to make a devil out of meDon't turn your back on me babyDon't turn your back on me babyYes, don't turn your back on me babyYou're messin' around with your tricksDon't turn your back on me baby'Cause you might just break up my magic stickYou got your spell on me babyYou got your spell on me babyYes, you got your spell on me babyYou're turning my heart into stoneI need you so bad, magic woman, I can't leave you aloneYes, I need you so badWell, I need you darlingYeah, I need you darlingYes, I want you love meI want you love meWhoa, I want you love me, ahWhoh, yeahOh, whoa, babyYes, I need your loveOh, I need your love so badI want you love me

“The video was filmed at the City festival in Nikolaev, Ukraine 2006, she was Miss Belly Dance of Europe 2008, winner of Ukranian Belly Dance Championship 2007 and 2008 and runner up in a few others”(3).

Thursday, August 29, 2013

My featured artist this evening is Kem and the song he brilliantly sings is titled “Human Touch”(2). The genre is R&B released on August 17, 2010, a track in the album titled “Intimacy”.

Published on YouTube, the video was uploaded on October 19, 2010 by Dashonda Nelson.

I have added the lyrics below for your reading pleasure."Human Touch"(3)[Verse 1]Every finger was madeFor your delightTo follow the cerve of your faceHere next to mineAll of your secrets are safe with meCan I taste your perfumeI could just linger for days and melt with you[Chorus]We cant lose with love on our sideAnd could use your affection tonightLove was made just for usHuman Touch[Verse 2]Watching the wind blow your hairDon't you wanna spoonIn a garden of pillows we can shareTake off your shoesGirl you're my favorite time of the yearCan I kiss your toesUntil this fever disappearsGirl you run the show[Chorus]Oh just stay here with meyour love is all that I needI just want it so muchHuman Touch

I hope everyone has a blessed and safe workweek and thank you for your continued love and support.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Introduction:“There could have been no two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison” ― Jane Austen, PersuasionThe updated story began today at work and for now it is over. I am going to be okay. I pray that the environment returns to normal soon mainly for selfish reasons. I am "short" you see. In case you don’t understand what, this means, it is slang for three years until retirement. So, the clouds seem to be dissipating strictly a cautious and yet optimistic point of view. There are still many things that must get done. We shall see!The second story is resulting from communications with a fellow blogger, Wioletta an amazing fresh, creative original jewelry and clothing designer. Her blog is titled “Fashion-Utopia” (2). You can find her fashion show cased on “Fashion Utopia by Wioletta M.” (3). Please, take a few minutes to check out her jewelry and fashion. It's amazing!The whole point of the second story is a lead-on to my next featured singer which I stumbled across on Wioletta’s Professional Facebook page titled above. The song, vocals, lyrics were brilliant and memorable. I immediately was in love with the wistful vocals of this artist; however, there was a problem. It was a “Trunce-You Tube” music channel with no reference to the artist, anywhere.After a couple of hours searching, I sought advice from one of my dear friends. He suggested I used “Shazam” a music app to identify the artist and song title. I did. It was just as quick as one, two & three!Now I can give you the correct information and the whole point of this post. The artist I am going to feature is the talented Emma Louise Hewitt an Australian singer-songwriter and trance vocalist who resides in Los Angeles. The song is titled “Waiting” (4). Looking back little did I realize how true the words to her song have become in my life. I am listing the lyrics below for your reading pleasure and hope you enjoy this music video as much as I do."Waiting" (5)(feat. Emma Hewitt)Fading of the dayAs night takes overAnd I can almost feelYou hereYour memory remainsI breath it closerI swear that I still feel you nearThe cold wind is taking overIt's taking overSo far awayYou're gone so longOhh and I'm waitingTill that dayI take you homeKnow that I'm waitingKnow that I'm waitingKnow that I'm waitingHaunted by your graceYou know I'm fallingSo cold without youAlways in my mindI hear you callingSo far awayYou're gone so longOhh and I'm waitingSo far awayYou're gone so longOhh and I'm waitingTill that dayI take you homeKnow that I'm waitingKnow that I'm waitingThe genre is considered vocal trance, house electronic dance, and alternative rock. The music video was published on Oct 1, 2009 by Armada Music.Thank you for your continued support and Hopefully you are having a brilliant day or evening where ever this finds you.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Today I am going do something different and that is adding more rap music to this blog. I came across this rapper from Washington D. C. on YouTube’s “Billboard Hot 100 - Top 50 Singles (8/24/2013)”and immediately started to feel his vibe. It’s sultry, a bit seductive and feels just right to me and from a woman's perspective, he is a sexy dude...Check it out.

The artist is called Wale and the title of the song “BAD fte Tiara Thomas”(2). The Lyrics are a little on the provocative side so guess what I am adding them as well.

I don’t
know about you but I need nourishment every morning and the same McDonald’s
Oatmeal or Egg Burrito gets old and expensive over time. So, to my surprise,
this morning I learned a fresh quick way on how to cook an omelet via the
microwave oven in less than two minutes. It excited me so much, I just had to try it fo

I beat the eggs, pepper and salt with a whisker to get
them extra fluffy. Once these initial ingredients are thoroughly mixed, I then
added the remaining items; bacon bits, chives, jalapeno and cheese (i.e. use any kind of cheese) and placed them
in a plastic sandwich bag. Make sure you leave a small opening at the top of
the bag seal so that steam can escape. I set the bag into the Microwave for one
minute and twenty seconds. It came out just like an omelet and a perfectly wonderful
taste! It was NOT leathery as I expected.

Boy, this was an amazing experiment and the bottom line is the
cost. Eggs being the most expensive ingredient at an average price of $1.86 per
dozen for Grade A eggs. This is based on statistics provided by the United
State Department of Labor (1).

Finally, two eggs plus ingredients and plastic bag cannot cost more
than $.50 each time and where can you get a great tasting two egg omelet for less than that?

Sunday, August 25, 2013

I came across this artist perusing the Top 20 Video Countdown 8/25/13 by Artists on YouTube. Her name is Sonia Rao and she is a Los Angeles based indie pop singer/songwriter. She not only is strikingly beautiful she has an interesting sound. If you have a minute check her out.The first song I am going to feature is titled “Sonia Rao & Elliott Yamin - Ain't No Sunshine” (2) and the second is one of her own titled “You Say I” (3).

I hope enjoy this music as much as I do. I love a new sound every day of the week.

Introduction:

I am somewhat of an unconventional person when I cook. I like to cook dishes that are tasty and quick. My time is limited like everyone else in the world. In addition, I like to mix traditional American dishes with my favorite Mexican dishes. I personally believe it works well together. Today I am cooking barbecued center cut pork chops, grilled shrimp, black bean soup, Mexican rice and lightly buttered asparagus. My son moved back into my apartment so cooking for the week is an important part of my Sunday ritual.

I am using ingredients that are listed below. My picture is based off of small portions. So, I don’t screw up my summer diet program.

Ingredients & Cooking Directions – Barbecued Center Cut Pork Chops

This is so simple, quick and comes out perfect each time. First make sure you beat the egg and milk together and then in the mixing bag place the “Shake ‘N Bake” ingredients, pepper, and salt. It is a simple as simple as dipping each pork chop into egg and milk (pre-beaten mixture) and then placing in the mixing bag, shaking it around until each pork chop is completely covered. I like to place the covered pork chops on a flat pan which has a ½ inch ledge. The covered pork chops are then cooked in a pre-heated oven at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes.

4 Center Cut Pork Chops

1 Egg

1 Cup milk

1 package from “Shake ‘N Bake” barbecue pork chops

¼ Teaspoon salt

¼ Teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

¼ Teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper

Grilled Shrimp

I just place the shrimp on a corner of the pan being used to cook the pork chops. I make sure they a fully covered with all the spices referenced below and cook at the same 425 degrees for about 20 minutes.

2 Cups of cooked shrimp (size does not matter)

1 Teaspoon New Orleans seafood seasoning

½ Teaspoon black pepper

½ Teaspoon lemon pepper

A dash of salt

Black Bean Soup

Like potatoes are some house holds, black Bean Soup is a tradition in my home for Sunday dinners. Use a medium pot adding all ingredients and cooked over medium high burner for at least 2 hours until the bean is soft. Keep adding water as necessary.

1 ½ Cups dried black beans (10 oz.), picked over and rinsed

1 Small red onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice (3/4 cup)

½ Teaspoon chopped garlic

½ Teaspoon finely chopped (seedless) fresh jalapeno

¼ Teaspoon chili pepper

3 Chicken bouillon cubes

¾ Teaspoon black pepper

5 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

A dash of salt

Mexican Rice

First you need to brown the long grain rice until it starts to puff like popcorn. It is important that you stir constantly. Once browned, drain off the grease, adding the following ingredients and cook on medium heat until the water has almost evaporated. Then turn off the heat and cover leaving the pan on the warm burner for about 15 – 20 minutes.

1 Can of ROTEL tomatoes

½ Medium red onion

chopped

½ Teaspoon finely chopped (seedless) fresh jalapeno

2 Cups long grain white rice

1 Cup canola oil

1 Minced garlic clove

3 Chicken bouillon cubes

¼ Cup fresh cilantro, minced

A dash of salt

Asparagus

First you need to purchase a fresh bundle of asparagus cut the ends off and place in a pot of boiling water. I leave them in for about 4 to 5 minutes tops, drain, cover and let sit. I add a dash of pepper, salt and a tablespoon of butter.

Thoughts:

I don’t spend a lot of time with steps because with these dishes it really does not matter, the taste is amazing and honestly time is important to me.

Bon Apatite Peace Diana

This song and words have been selected in tribute to someone I love and the amazing Tom Petty who has left us this week. RIP....My song this evening is "Face In The Crowd". It is a simple song about a stranger that becomes a major part of one's life... my interpretation."A Face In The Crowd" (3)Before all of this ever went downIn another place, another town,You were just a face in the crowdOut in the street, walking aroundA face in the crowdOut of a dream, out of the skyInto my heart, into my lifeAnd you were just a face in the crowdOut in the street, thinking out loudA face in the crowdPeace Diana

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Introduction:“The shattering of a heart when being broken is the loudest quiet ever.” ~ Carroll Bryant

Someone posted a rose, a hand with blood and a heart which had the words “Love Hurts” and a conversation ensued. There was also a comment on this same post that love does NOT hurt. Well, if you find the right companion and you are both unified where there is consideration, respect, communication and commitment, maybe you are right. However, if you have the unfortunate luck to fall in love with a selfish person more than likely you will be hurting. It’s because they see the world in terms of “ME” not “US”.

Now this is strickly my opinion for what ever it's worth. I do have some experience in this area of broken hearts and dreams, so naturally there is a poem to add simply titled "Pain Wins".

There are no wretched tears spent or leftOnly hollow echoes; sounds of emptinessAs I look upon the breaking in a vibrant dawnHonestly, I foresaw this outcome all alongIt's why so intently, I hung on...

Hoping logic was altogether wrong.

You see pain wins…Again...And all that is left...Is to forgive this fools' soul; albeit to this pain...And not allow "love" to be a thief’s center or aim.Diana Mary Sharpton (c) Copyright 2016 all Rights Reserved

So, I am going to feature an old 1970’s song titled “Love Hurts”(2) and the artist is Nazareth. This is for all the people that are feeling the pain of love. All I can advise you is to believe in yourself! Time heals and be careful with your choices.

It is a classic ROCK genre...

I hope you like this selection as much as I do and have a blessed evening or morning. Thank you for your continued support. Remember music is a language and these are my thoughts tonight.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Introduction:

“The sunlight claps the earth, and the moonbeams kiss the sea: what are all these kissings worth, if thou kiss not me?”

― Percy Bysshe Shelley

Ed Sheeran, an English singer song writer, became known to me about a year ago via VH1 top 20 videos. Yeah, I am an avid fan. Anyway, the song that was featured was “A Team” and most recently “Lego House” which I am NOT going to feature because you can find them on YouTube and frankly I am tired of them (i.e. they are just over played in my opinion).

Please know that there are two things that happen with me when I discover a NEW sound and singer 1.) I buy their album 2.) This always leads to discovering NEW music that is relatively unknown but just as marvelous as their popular counterparts. This is the very case concerning Ed Sheeran’s album self-titled “Ed Sheeran” which has two amazing songs that I am going to feature. The first one is titled “Kiss Me”(2), it is sensual and full of NEW love nuances, which if you have not gotten this about me yet, is top on my list next waking up in the morning “Praising My God”.The second song that is passion but in a different way is titled “Give Me Love” (3) and it is about “wishing for love to show up at your door step”. Boy, that’s personally relate able!The below lyrics have been listed for your reading pleasure."Kiss Me" (4)Settle down with meCover me upCuddle me inLie down with meAnd hold me in your armsAnd your heart's against my chest, your lips pressed to my neckI'm falling for your eyes, but they don't know me yetAnd with a feeling I'll forget, I'm in love nowKiss me like you wanna be lovedYou wanna be lovedYou wanna be lovedThis feels like falling in loveFalling in loveWe're falling in loveSettle down with meAnd I'll be your safetyYou'll be my ladyI was made to keep your body warmBut I'm cold as the wind blows so hold me in your armsOh noMy heart's against your chest, your lips pressed to my neckI'm falling for your eyes, but they don't know me yetAnd with this feeling I'll forget, I'm in love nowKiss me like you wanna be lovedYou wanna be lovedYou wanna be lovedThis feels like falling in loveFalling in loveWe're falling in loveYeah I've been feeling everythingFrom hate to loveFrom love to lustFrom lust to truthI guess that's how I know youSo I hold you close to help you give it upSo kiss me like you wanna be lovedYou wanna be lovedYou wanna be lovedThis feels like falling in loveFalling in loveWe're falling in loveKiss me like you wanna be lovedYou wanna be lovedYou wanna be lovedThis feels like falling in loveFalling in loveWe're falling in love

I just hope that you find as much pleasure as I do when I discover wonderful music that speaks to the soul and it is not popular for one reason or another. It’s like finding a diamond in the ruff; hmmm…remember I am a romantic poet and wouldn’t have it any other way!

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Expression is delivered via a myriad of topics with humor, poetry, sarcasm and visual aesthetics such as photography and music videos.

My Quote

T. S. Elliot wrote that “Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality. But, of course, only those who have personality and emotions know what it means to want to escape from these things”.